Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/laminated benchtop

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Expert: - 8/31/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg,
A spot of about two sq.ft. on my laminated benchtop became matt after spilling a chemical used for cleaning oven. is there any way to bring back the glaze? kitchen makers advised me to replace the whole kitchen benchtop which will cost between $1,500 to $3,000. thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Nathaniel, what is it laminated with?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the laminate is made of melamine.

Answer
Hi Nathaniel, it sounds like the oven cleaner etched or chemically "burned" the area...if this is a work area that will see a lot of use then it probably would have to be replaced.By "benchtop", I'm assuming this is a counter top? If it's a secondary area, that won't see a lot of use, then you might be able to clear coat it with a satin or flat Catalyzed lacquer, or Catalyzed Acrylic Urethane. This would repair the sheen with a pretty tough clear coat that would stand up to minimal use. These can be purchased in aerosol cans for ease of use and minimal cost, but they may not be a perfect match to the adjoining areas. They would be "water white" meaning very clear, with almost no amber/yellow cast, but it would take some experimentation to see if the repair would be successful, and blend properly.It also may not have the life of the Melamine...but at roughly $6 per can, (you probably would want to use a pre-cat sealer as well), it's a relatively small gamble.Hope that helps a little- post back - Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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